UN: UNAMID expresses concern over security raids on Darfur camps

New York, US (PANA) - The African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Thursday expressed
deep concern over security raids, recently conducted by the Sudanese government, in several
camps for displaced people in the city of Nyala and the surrounding towns in South Darfur.

A UN statement, obtained by PANA in New York, said that, "UNAMID has since taken measures
to mitigate the impact of such operations on the civilian population in the camps."

"For example, following a security raid conducted on Al Salam camp on 5 August when
individuals were arrested for alleged possession of illegal drugs and weapons, UNAMID
monitored the trials of those arrested and said that most of those detained have since been
released.

"Other security raids have been conducted in Otash and Dereig internally displaced persons
(IDPs) camps as part of a wider campaign by the South Darfur authorities to address the high
level of criminality in the State. Such raids have generated alarm and anxiety amongst IDPs in
Kalma camp, who told UNAMID that they are anticipating a similar operation," it stated.

Earlier this week, UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, said that,
while the Sudanese government has a right to pursue criminals and apprehend them, it must
also guarantee that activities are carried out respecting human rights.

Likewise, he reminded that any camp population harbouring, aiding or abetting offenders who
possess weapons contravenes international humanitarian law.

The statement noted that the mission is currently engaging local authorities in South Darfur,
in accordance with its protection of civilians' mandate and demanding that if there were a need
for such selective searches, they should be conducted in coordination with the camp leaders
and the mission.

It added that, "in a meeting with camp leaders, including women and youth in Kalma, UNAMID
officials have explained the measures it has taken to reduce the impact of such security raids on civilians and assured them that it continues to conduct 24/7 patrols and monitor the situation closely."
-0- PANA AA/AR 14Aug2014